Vegan Sets New Record for Weightlifting in Iceland

Weight lifter Huda B. Waage has set a new national record in Iceland for squat lifts.

(Photo: Hörður Birkisson)

The entirely vegan lifter was able to lift 205 kilograms (452 pounds) in a squat, besting the previous record.

“You can be strong without eating meat and animal byproducts”, says Waage, who credits her plant-based diet for giving her strength and helping her heal. “I’ve reached the age when the body produces more swelling. I believe my diet helps with this and I recover more quickly after practices.”

Waage also holds the national record for bench pressing at 120-kilograms (265 pounds).

“This is not the largest success of my life it was just part of the programme,” says Hulda. “I was pretty stressed out. I’m really happy but I could have done better.”